The age old adage “Love what you do,” is more than just the optimistic ramblings of a generation past. There are proven benefits for being passionate about one’s work, such as productivity and an ease in finding a work/life balance to name a few.
There are proven benefits for being passionate about one’s work, such as productivity and an ease in finding a work/life balance to name a few. A sure-fire way to love what you do is to turn a hobby into a job. Dave Drayton speaks to Tim George, a graphic designer who has done just that.
Dave: Where did your interest in graphic design begin?
Tim: I have been drawing and creating things for as long as I can remember, and once I got my first computer I became obsessed with using it to create in new ways. It just progressed naturally from there.
Dave: What training or courses did you undertake in order to become employable as a graphic designer?
Tim: I did a Certificate 4 in Graphic Design and one in Interactive Multimedia at TAFE. They helped expose me to all the different aspects of design and digital media. So I had a much more diverse portfolio of work to show employers.
Dave: What are the benefits of working in a field you feel passionate about?
Tim: It makes all the work more than just a means to an end, there's job satisfaction which is really important. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like work at all because it's what I would enjoy doing at home anyway.
Dave: Do you still do graphic design work for fun, outside of work projects?
Tim: Yeah, it's still nice to have the freedom of working on your own projects. It's quite important for developing your style and technique because there are less limitations.
Dave: Any advice to people looking to turn a hobby into a job?
Tim: Never stop developing and innovating your ideas. Companies and businesses are always looking for the unique options to help them stand out from the pack. And don't give up if it doesn't happen right away, it's worth the effort to be making a living doing something you enjoy.